It’s a great feeling, almost as good as passing the PMP the first time.

This is what your renewed PMP membership looks like “on screen” from PMI. See below.

Earning 60 PDU Hours to Renew Your PMP

Passing the PMP is a great event. Most of you reading this blog post haven’t passed the PMP yet.

(But when you do pass the PMP, you will be glad you saved or bookmarked this blog post.)

But passing the PMP isn’t permanent. You need to renew your PMP certification by earning 60 PDU hours every 3 years.

And in my experience, earning the 60 PDU hours was NOT an easy process. But I think it was worth my effort.

Cheap and Easy Way to Earn 60 PMP PDU Hours

My technique was “cheap”, but it certainly wasn’t easy.

If you can find a cheaper way to earn your 60 PDU hours than I have found, please leave a comment.

Earning my Last 15 PDU Hours Cost Only $25

I think that was pretty affordable.

I found that www.Lynda.com had a ten day free trial and after that it cost about $24.99 per month to use. Lynda is a wonderful learning website for many things.

If you use www.Lynda.com, search for PMI PDU approved courses. They have many courses to choose. I chose about 10 courses with topics ranging from writing better emails to using Agile project methods.

Earning my First 45 PDU Hours Was Free

I know, you’re excited. You want PDU’s for free.

Yes, I didn’t pay any money to earn my first 45 PDU’s to renew my PMP. But it did cost me “lots of time”. And, for most of us, time is money.

Here’s how I earned my first 45 PDU hours.

Teaching the PMP. Starting in 2014 I taught the PMP for over two months. It was my first time teaching the PMP using Rita’s book. My prep time to class time ratio was 3:1, or more. Yes, I was paid to teach the course. But it was very expensive in terms of my time.

YouTube Videos. I produced PMP related YouTube videos for fun. Then I learned that PMI would accept those as PDU hours. PMI accepted those hours as giving back to the community.

Webinar. And finally, PMI accepted my webinars as valid PDU hours.

Now I know that PMI accepts teaching the PMP, creating YouTube videos, and hosting webinars as qualifying as PDU’s in “giving back” to the PMP community.

PMP’s: Earn Some of Your PDU’s with Richard Kraneis

After publishing two websites on passing the PMP over the last two years, I have some new PMP friends. They were students who became PMP’s.

If I helped you pass the PMP, leave a comment if you are interested in earning PDU’s through me. You might help me with a PMP study group webinar or with a YouTube video.

Less than 50% PMP Practice Score – You are absolutely not ready. Personally, I think you are sadly unprepared to take the PMP test and improve your study methods.
50 – 60% PMP Practice Score – Still, you’re not ready. If you take the actual PMP with that type of test score, I believe you will waste your money and fail.
60 – 70% – You are borderline. You probably searched the Internet looking for someone who said high 60’s is good enough to pass the test. That would be bad advice.
70 – 80% – You are in a good range and I would estimate you have an above average chance of passing the test. Taking a 2nd PMP practice test from another vendor with a similar score would be a good indicator of success.
Greater than 80% – This is a good indicator of passing the PMP. Schedule the PMP, take another practice test before your live exam, then pass the PMP.
If your practice scores are too low, you need to contact me for my PMP Test Prep Service.

]]>http://richardkraneis.com/am-i-ready-to-pass-the-pmp-test-2/feed/21259Pass the PMP in 2016http://richardkraneis.com/pass-the-pmp-in-2016/
http://richardkraneis.com/pass-the-pmp-in-2016/#commentsFri, 01 Jan 2016 23:38:55 +0000http://richardkraneis.com/?p=1152I’m here to help you pass the PMP in 2016.

Write this down each day: I will pass the PMP in 2016

Sound silly? Not really.

When I first began studying for the PMP seriously in January 2016, I decided that my passing the PMP was inevitable.

I decided that whether I passed the first time, or the second time, or even the third time, I KNEW in my heart, in my inner core, that I would pass the PMP.

I was unstoppable and I knew it. I believed it.

Shortcuts to Passing the PMP

There are none.

Please, Stop Looking for Shortcuts to Pass the PMP

There are no shortcuts for passing the PMP, but there are efficient methods.

Let me give you an example.

Example of a Bad PMP Bad Shortcut

Students on the Internet in forums are always looking for the “perfect” book for passing the PMP. Is one PMP author better than another? Maybe. But searching for the “magic” PMP book is a bad shortcut and normally a waste of time.

Example of a Useful PMP Learning Efficiency

When PMP students keep looking for the “best” PMP prep book, it’s normally just a waste of time. PMP concepts aren’t easy, that’s why reading PMP topics is often difficult.

Read PMBOK and a good complementary book. If you read them side by side, for every single process, you will learn more than you would learn from just reading PMBOK or some magic alternative PMP test prep book.

PMP’s Can Earn PDU’s with Richard Kraneis, PMP

I learned last year that I could earn Project Management Institute PDU’s to maintain my PMP by doing webinars and YouTube videos. So I plan on doing more of them this year.

My New PMP’s Can Earn PDU’s by Helping Me Do Webinars

I think that’s a great way for you as a new PMP to earn PDU’s and it also helps me offer monthly webinars that are affordable for PMP students. If you’re interested as a PMP, please leave a comment on this web post.

My Website Visitors and YouTube PMP’s Can Also Earn PDU’s with Me

More and more, I’m hearing from people who passed the PMP and I don’t even know them Wow, that’s amazing.

(Akhilesh from India, this means you.)

If you passed the PMP using my website or videos, I want to meet you on the Internet. If we can Skype together well, if you’re interested, you can join me on webinars to earn PDUs. Please leave a comment if you’re interested in working with me on webinars.

Richard Kraneis, PMP – Offering PMP Classes in 2016

In January, 2013, I knew it was inevitable that I would pass the PMP. I was unstoppable.

Here’s My January 2016 Resolution

This January 2016, I have decided to teach the PMP in the clasroom. I am unstoppable.

Thanks Everyone, You’ve Inspired Me to Teach the PMP in the Classroom

Thanks everyone. Thanks to the inspiration from my customers, my YouTube visitors, and my visitors to this website, I am inspired to teach the PMP class in 2016, hopefully in your city.

As time goes on, I will have information on this website on how your company can schedule a PMP class with me as your training consultant.

I know, you don’t want to spend any more money on the PMP test. But investing $30 in an official ProMetric Test Drive may be your best choice. You pay your money, you schedule a visit, you take a 30 minute test (it doesn’t count), AND you can ask questions of the staff.

(I do not receive any money for encouraging you to take a Prometric Test Drive.)

YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED TO READ THIS NEXT ITEM !!!

After I wrote this blog post, a reader named Keith Motz, PMP, made a comment on the blog post. You can read his entire comment at the end of this blog post but here is part of it. Read it!

I would add one suggestion to your list. I passed the exam in August 2015, first try. In addition to checking traffic conditions to the test site on the day and time that you will be taking the exam, quiz the staff about the “test taker traffic” at the test center. Our center had about 40 seats and one bathroom! You do the math, as they say. A bathroom break in a full test center will be potentially much longer than one in a not so full test center. A bathroom break requires check in/check out.

So before you schedule your PMP test, make a knowledgeable decision about how busy your test center will be on your preferred test day.

In the U.S., if you have accidentally scheduled your PMP test on a popular MCAT test date (Medical College Admission Test), you may be very unhappy. ProMetric test centers are NOT just for the PMP. They accomodate all kinds of tests and the crowds at the ProMetric test centers will vary.

(And thanks to Keith Motz, PMP, for this great piece of advice. Again, read his entire comment at the end of this blog post.)

2 – Schedule your PMP Test Date

Considering all these factors, then schedule your PMP test date and time.

Test Center Activity – You have researched the busy days at your ProMetric test center. You are avoiding days that are crowded with other test takers.

PMP Test Project Plan – You are scheduling the test when you are ready or expect to be ready to take the PMP test. Your test date “fits within” the project plan you built for yourself to pass the PMP.

Travel Time – You have considered how long it will take to travel from your home to the test center.

Morning, afternoon, or evening – You are scheduling the test for your best test time. If you’re a bad morning person, schedule the test for the afternoon or evening.

3 – Change Your Eating Habits to Prepare for PMP Test Day

I am not a dietitian, but I do know that you need to eat properly before a big event, like a test.

Didn’t your mother encourage you to eat a good breakfast before you went to school?

Since I knew that my PMP test report time was 12:30 PM, about 1-2 weeks before the PMP test, I started having a light lunch around 11 AM every morning. It was a healthy lunch/breakfast with protein, carbohydrates, a dash of fruit.

Taking the PMP test on an empty stomach or on a bloated stomach is NOT a good idea.

4 – Take two 4 hour practice tests at your scheduled PMP test time

Okay, you have trained your body to eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the right time of day prior to the PMP test.

Now you need to train your body to sit for 4 hours working hard on a practice PMP test at 9 AM, 1 PM, or 6 PM. Even though you might report to ProMetric at 8:30 AM, the test won’t begin until approximately 9 AM.

If you don’t plan on using the bathroom for four hours, that’s how you should take your 4 hour practice test at 9 AM, 1 PM, or 6 PM.

Yes, that’s exactly how I practiced two weeks out from my PMP test. I was able to complete all 200 questions on two 4 hour practice tests without using the bathroom. If you think you will need to take a bathroom break in the middle of the test, allocate 15 minutes of LOST TEST TIME.

6 – Drive to ProMetric Before Your PMP Test Day

If you have an 8:30 AM start time at your test center for a weekday, you need to drive to that location to make sure you can find it in a timely fashion, find parking, and enter the test building five minutes before 8:30 AM.

Have you ever driven or travelled to a business appointment and become lost? I know, you have GPS. But GPS may not tell you that parking is difficult at that time of day.

Or if you use public transportation as I did to travel to my downtown Chicago test site, I allocated enough time in case the train had a problem. (Chicago public transit is about 90 per cent on time.)

7 – Visit the ProMetric Test Site

Since you’re there, you might as well go to the 2nd or 3rd floor, introduce yourself, and they will politely thank you for coming and ask you to leave if you don’t have an Official ProMetric Test Drive.

At least you are absolutely sure of both the location and the actual part of the building for the ProMetric test location.

8 – Cancel the PMP Test if You are Sick

It’s foolishness to take the PMP test if you are sick the day before the test.

You won’t do well on the test and you might make other people sick.

Why would you take a test if you are sick? Cancel the test immediately the day before the class.

“Richard, I don’t Need This Preparation to Pass the PMP”

Yes, you do.

Please Leave a Comment

Please leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you.

And if you liked the concrete, practical advice in this blog post, just imagine how well you will be prepared if you become a PMP Test Prep client of mine.

Satisfied customers are best endorsements for what I can offer you. Please read the comments below. (If you have used my services already and passed your PMP test, please jump to Add Your Own PMP Success Story and say a few words. Thank you in advance for keeping me honest!)

Here are just a few of my successful PMP students, colleagues, and new friends.

Octavio “Dave” Lorenzo, PMP – United States, March 5, 2016

Octavio purchased my “47” spreadsheet in January 2016. He and I exchanged various emails talking about PMP study techniques in January.

But ultimately, Octavio decided he was going to pass the PMP test and did all the hard work needed to get the job done. I hope you enjoy his review (and kind words) shown below.

I passed my PMP Exam on my SECOND attempt, with the help of Richard Kraneis!

I took the PMP exam in January of 2016 (the first time) and truly thought I was prepared–yet I still lacked some fundamental knowledge in my test-taking skills and in the dreaded ITTO’s and 47 Processes.

So, I found Richard’s YouTube videos and watched too many to mention. I then purchased a couple of the forms/study guides, and used them as prescribed for note-taking as I created my very own study guide. (Don’t fight the advice, dear reader. If Richard says something–just do it.)

The Word document, with the Study Outline is deceivingly simple-but that’s where the magic happens. I took time to write out my notes in the outline–AND I STUDIED THEM. I also stepped up my writing of the 47 Processes for my pre-exam Brain Dump. I wrote the entire chart found on page 61 of PMBOK 5, Project Management Process Group and Knowledge Area Mapping. Chart 3.1. Ah, yes. I wrote the entire chart at a minimum, twice a day. Most days, I wrote it 4-5 times. I timed myself and knew that I could write the entire chart in 12 minutes. However, that left me no time for my brain dump. I could never get under 28 minutes for my brain dump and Chart 3.1. But, I kept hand-writing the chart repeatedly, over and over again, and I memorized the structure so well, that on test day I merely had to write some of the processes in the Planning Process Group.

On the day of my second exam, I wrote my entire brain dump and Chart 3.1 with about a minute to spare before the exam started. I didn’t write everything in the Chart–I just knew everything by heart. The Process Group and KA Mapping was critical to the study process for me, as it provided a skeletal framework to everything within PMBOK.

In following Richard’s advice, I also wrote the ITTO’s, and created note cards. I studied them to understand the flow; I rehearsed them in my mind; I repeated them aloud. I even went so far as to lay them out on the floor, just as Richard suggested, and assembled them. Sorted them. It seems a little obsessive as I write this now, but it made perfect sense at the time and it was exactly what I needed.

One trick that helped me, which Richard doesn’t necessarily recommend, is that I mimicked his YouTube videos from the privacy of my own home. I used a screen capture program, and created my very own training videos. I read PMBOK 5 to myself, on video, as if I were teaching a class. (My wife and step-sons must’ve thought I had gone mad, as I was reading PMBOK 5 aloud, as if my life depended on it.) I have always believed: If you learn something well enough to teach it, then you truly understand the material.

Richard’s generous sharing of his knowledge via the videos, and his brief email advice snippets as I purchased his products, were remarkably helpful and a great example of the sharing and mentoring that takes place which makes our profession great.

The results of my first exam? I failed. I achieved Moderate Proficiency in 3 areas, and Below Proficiency in 2.

After many, many hours of study, I took my PMP exam–for a second time–on March 5, 2016.

On my second time around, I passed the PMP exam, scoring Proficient, in all 5 areas! Richard Kraneis, and his ubiquitous videos, his straight-forward delivery of the material and honest recommendations to work hard, were truly the difference, the second time.

I know that Richard Kraneis helped me pass my PMP Exam and I believe that his system can help anyone achieve the results they’re seeking. I never expected to achieve a “Proficient” in all 5 areas of the exam, but I was extremely prepared and meticulously ready to digest the knowledge so that I could apply it to the exam, and to the everyday challenges I face as a Project Manager.

Good luck, Richard. I appreciate all the help and support you provided. Most of all, I appreciate that your calm and steady methodology meant success for me, on the PMP Exam.

Octavio “Dave” Lorenzo, PMP

Thanks a bunch Octavio. Your kind compliment arrived in my mailbox the day before my birthday. It was a pre-birthday gift for me. I look forward to collaborating with you this year on webinars and/or ways of helping you earn PDU’s. Best wishes, and thank you.

Shari Noland, PMP – United States, February 2016

Shari purchased my PMP process spreadsheet in January, 2016, and went on to pass her PMP test in February, one month later. It’s kind of Shari to mention my Mastering ITTO video. That video alone has helped many people understand ITTO better, to relax a bit, and to pass the PMP test.

I studied pretty hard for the PMP, but the ITTOs would still get me on the practice exams. What helped me was Richard’s YouTube video “Learning ITTO to Pass the PMP Test.” I found it to be very helpful with great advice. I passed the PMP on the first try.

Thanks for your kind words Shari.

Maurice, PMP – United States, January 11, 2016

Maurice left a comment with his phone number on my website and I was able to call him on the same day. Here is his story.

I was a month away from taking the PMP when I started to panic. In desperation I reached out to Richard, not certain if I waited too late for his help.

I sent him an email on Sunday morning almost begging for his assistance and got a return call in the evening. I was completely surprised by his act of kindness – taking time away from his schedule to call me back. I explained my situation and Richard was completely upfront with the challenges laid before me.

He was kind but stern in telling me the truth. His words were: “You can do it. You just need to put forward more effort” – commit to it!.

After spending an additional forty minutes on the phone with him, I felt like I could do it! Richard took time to help out a person he never met and treated me with directness of a good friend and mentor. After committing myself to the process as stated by Richard, I passed the exam on 1/11/16.

That’s right – on the last today before the test changed. Thanks Richard!!!! God Bless you and your family!!!

Maurice, thank you for your kind words. As we say in the U.S., “pay it forward” with kindness to others as they try to meet their educational goals.

Brad Bamberg, PMP – United States, January 2016

Brad is another customer (colleague) who passed the PMP on January 11, 2016. He passed it on the very last day before the 2016 RDS (Role Delineation Survey) update. Here’s his success story, with his permission. I am especially grateful for his kind words in his last paragraph

Hi Richard,

I passed the PMP exam a week ago after having failed it shortly before Thanksgiving. I wanted to take it again before the new version rolled out on 1/12. I had purchased your Excel shortcut to the PMP process chart, but I must admit I did not use it. When I viewed your YouTube video of it, I thought it was genius. I simply ran out of time. I know you heavily advocate taking practice exams and we exchanged a few emails about where to do that. But, like the shortcut, I also ran out of time on that as well. If I was giving advice to someone, I would heavily advocate the practice exam approach as well.

So, I spent the majority of time

1. Going back through Rita Mulcahy’s prep book as well as the PMBOK and took detailed notes. That took some time.

2. Then did the practice questions for each chapter. and scored each.

3. Once done with the book, I went through the notes again.

4. I then started at the beginning of the book again and did each chapters practice questions, scored each chapter and kept a list of scores.

5. I then memorized the formula’s and short note on application of each and practiced making a brain dump of them

6. Based on the list of chapter scores, I went back and studied the chapters I had the lowest scores in and then redid those study questions.

7. Lastly, I went through all of the notes again and then took the exam.

I want to share with you that I watched a couple of your YouTube video’s and found them informative. However, the biggest value I derived was the inspiration you instilled in me to study and practice and achieve. I found your voice to be confident and calming and that I, too, could pass the exam. Thank you for sharing your insights about PMP and inspiring me.

Thanks Brad for your kind words on my voice. If my voice was “confident and calming” I’m glad. It’s just me talking to my computer, telling people how to pass the PMP. As of today (January 19, 2016), people have viewed my YouTube videos over 337,000 times.

Most importantly, both Kelly Bird (next success story) and you passed the PMP on January 11, 2016.

Perhaps we can do a webinar together in 2016. Best wishes on enjoying your PMP certification in 2016 and beyond.

Kelly Bird, PMP – United States, January 2016

Kelly passed the PMP on January 11, 2016.

Kelly’s another one of my “47” customers (PMP students who purchased my 47 processes in spreadsheet form). But apparently Kelly watched many of my YouTube videos in addition to visiting this site.

I am delighted and grateful that Kelly gave me some credit for helping him pass the PMP. Teachers like me can only guide a student. Ultimately, PMP students need to commit to a goal, make a project plan, and work very hard to accomplish their goals. And that’s exactly what Kelly did in passing the PMP.

Perhaps the kindest thing Kelly write’s in his success on passing the PMP test is this short quote:

I credit Richard with helping me develop a strategy.

Here is part of Kelly’s wonderful write-up on passing the PMP.

I passed the PMP on January 11th, 2016.

I started preparing in August of 2015 with the PMBOK 5 and a supplemental book and audio CD’s. My preparation was half hearted at best. Work and my natural inclination to procrastinate kept getting in the way. Started dawning on me that I needed a strategy.

In late November I went ahead and scheduled the exam thereby giving myself a self imposed deadline. Still procrastinated. It became pretty clear that I needed to develop some sort of strategy.

I found Richard on YouTube in mid-December. His ideas about developing a game plan struck a chord with me and meshed with ideas that I had been developing on my own.

I purchased his study guide outline and found it incredibly useful. His suggestions about practicing with full 200 question practice exams, using gap and trend analysis to identify weak areas, and last but not least his YouTube video concerning earned value management in conjunction with building pyramids in Egypt helped cement my game plan.

So this is what I did: I continued studying PMBOK and my supplemental book. Took dozens of practice quizzes, and at least 3 full 200 question practice exams every week (sometimes more…sometimes a lot more).

Every time I completed a quiz or exam, I would review the questions I missed and enter notes in the appropriate section of Richard’s study guide outline. Some of the concepts were kind of hard to get into my head, so several times I found myself trying to make notes in the study guide only to find that I had already done it. As a result, I resorted to highlighting particularly stubborn concepts in yellow or changing the font to bold, or italics (and some areas are highlighted yellow, with bold italic font!!). Looks a little sloppy but it worked for me. I also added a glossary for terms that wouldn’t stick in my head at the end of the study guide. I created a spreadsheet to track my progress on all practice tests and quizzes. I had a separate tab to track progress on just the full 200 question exams.

I tracked the scores for the 200 question practice tests by Process Groups and Knowledge Areas (most of the online practice exams will break these scores out) and applied conditional formatting to change the cell color based on the score entered. This enabled me to identify weak areas. For example, if I noticed a trend of low scores in the Monitoring & Controlling Domain AND the Risk Management Knowledge Area, I knew it would probably be a good idea to review ITTO’s for the Control Risks process.

My advice for passing the PMP: Develop a strategy, work hard, review, review, review. I credit Richard with helping me develop a strategy.

Thanks Kelly. If enough people read your write-up, and follow “our methods”, they will pass the PMP test.

Olga Z. Rivas, PMP – United States, January 2016

Olga began as a purchaser of my 47 processes spreadsheet and then became a private client for a 3 hour training session. I taught Olga my techniques for doing critical path calculations. Olga, I am so glad to hear that you passed the PMP this January. Hurray!

Hey Richard I just passed the PMP with much help from memorizing the 47 processes. I also used the critical path work we previously collaborated on. Thanks for all the support!

Ayan Roy, PMP – India, January 2016

Ayan is the first person to tell me he passed the PMP in 2016. Apparently he watched my YouTube videos and visited this website. Congratulations to Ayan on passing the PMP.

Really excited to share that I’ve cleared PMP on 7th Jan 2016. I got 2 Ps (Executing and Closing) and 3 MPs in the rest.

I would like to thanks Richard for the excellent tips shared in the Youtube channel and website. It really helped me a lot to prepare a study plan. Also the formulas were well explained in the video which was really helpful. Thanks a lot, Richard.

Mark Chroprufka, PMP – United States, December 31, 2015

This compliment on my blog was quite a wonderful surprise when I found it. On the last day of 2015, I received a long, wonderful comment from a new PMP who passed the test on the very last day of the year.

What made this even more special is that I don’t even know Mark, have never shaken his hand, have never even emailed with him. He just visited my YouTube videos and apparently visited my website.

Within an hour or two of Mark passing the PMP, he left this comment on my blog. I am honored and grateful to post it here. Thanks Mark.

Hi Richard, I passed my PMP today and wanted to thank you for the YouTube videos you posted.

First I watched your videos on “I Knew I would Pass the PMP Test – Here’s My Method”, “47 Processes…” and EVM formulas.

Take away from the videos that helped me: 1) Definitely recommend taking and subsequently reviewing full length practice PMP exams under actual test conditions; i.e. no checking answers or pausing during the test. Once I finished the exam, I would review questions that we incorrect or marked and take a screen shot (Alt+Print-Screen in Windows) and paste into a Word document with some notes to myself on what to review. 2) With respect to the formulas, drawing a graph of the BAC, EV, PV and AC definitely helps visualize and remember the formulas. 3) Memorize the 47 processes first and I used the numbering of each from the PMBOK to help me, for example 4.1 – 4.6 were Integration, 13.1 to 13.4 were Stakeholder related. 4) Create your own notes and don’t underestimate the PMP, but know that with practice and preparation it is not an impossible exam.

I was very relaxed throughout the entire exam and felt confident the entire way; though I did have to take bathroom break at the final half hour: I had 20 minutes to review my answers. I paced myself and didn’t feel rushed at all, though I credit this with taking a dozen practice exams over the past three months. Hopefully this will be helpful to other PMP aspirants and thank you again! Best, Mark.

Thanks Mark. I look forward to linking with you on LinkedIn and learning what wonderful things you will do with your PMP certification in 2016.

And, on this day, the last day of 2015, my most important 2016 New Year’s Resolution is to teach the PMP in the classroom wherever my students want me to teach. In Chicago, in Illinois, and beyond Illinois wherever people want my training.

Mark, super congratulations on passing the PMP on December 31, 2015, and thanks for helping me make up my mind to teach the PMP professionally.

Cornelius Bonds, PMP – United States, December 2015

I watched Richard’s videos on ITTO’s, learning the 47 processes and took his advice on utilizing Kaplan mock exams which was vital in me passing my PMP exam the 2nd time around on 14 Dec 15!!!

Michael Weitzman, PMP – United States, December 2015

Dara Watson, PMP – United States, December 2015

(Dara was another YouTube friend. I asked her to leave her comment on this website. Thanks Dara.)

I am so happy to say that I passed my PMP exam on the 1st try this past Saturday, Dec 19th, 2015. I found your videos and guidance and very helpful richard… thank you very much!!!

Ayo Osenyi, PMP – United States, November 2015

I believe Ayo purchased my 47 PMP processes spreadsheet in 2015. And he passed the PMP in November, 2015. Hopefully PMP’s like Ayo will help me teach webinars and earn PDU’s in the process.

Hi Richard

Thank you for all your help! I passed my PMP back in Nov after failing twice. There are no shortcuts, just hard work. I would be interested in helping out on a webinar to earn PDUs.

Tom Miller, PMP – United States, November, 2015

Tom was the first person to ever add his success story to this blog post. Apparently he used my PMP YouTube videos in passing the PMP.

I passed the PMP exam in late October with many thanks to your videos. Today, a colleague said they were prepping for exam and asked about ITTO and 47 processes. I said you need to watch these videos and fortunately I still had everything bookmarked. For anyone taking the exam, nail down the brain dump. You would not believe how much less stress you may have when you get a question and the formula or next process is on your brain dump sheet. Thanks again.

Ajoy Saha, PMP – India, November, 2015

I’ve never met Ajoy, I’ve never received an email from him, but apparently I helped him pass the PMP in April, 2014. Ajoy found the Richard Kraneis You Tube Channel and studied my free PMP YouTube videos.

Richard, I am a fan of your techniques you discussed through your PMP videos. I love them All, as they helped me pass my PMP exam in my first attempt, last 2nd April 2014. Gone through all of the videos on You Tube posted by you.

I think the best video is the one where he shows you how to remember your 47 processes by a quick abbreviated chart. It really helped me to remember the processes and I could put that chart on the exam ‘Braindump sheet’ in just 6 mins.

I know I am writing this note after a long time as I was quite busy doing other stuff. But thank you for posting such great ideas and videos helping us gain confidence on the concept of PMBOK. I am currently involved as a Project Manager and trying to put my knowledge to practice and also brought your Excel E-book online and will try my hands on using those concepts in my reporting dashboard areas.

Thanks again for helping people like us clear PMP in first attempt. Keep it up.

Lisa Goldsworthy, PMP – United States, October, 2015

Lisa was a PMP Test Prep client of mine. And now, I think of her as a friend Here is her kind review of my work.

Hello fellow students!

I took a 3-day course last fall to help pass the PMP. I was encouraged to take the test “ASAP” and was told that reading the PMBOK was not necessary – just to read Rita’s book. I studied diligently for 3 months, started a local study group and scheduled the test December 22, 2014. Even though I thought I “aced it”, I did not pass. While I was crying on the way home from the test, my husband found Richard Kraneis online: Pass the PMP on Your 2nd Try.

I watched the video and never forgot about Richard. I contacted him a few months later in March and I hired him to help me pass the test. His tools and techniques were truly invaluable! I changed my study techniques, read the PMBOK, and was not in a race to take the test. His techniques also enabled me to memorize the 47 process groups which was a huge benefit to passing the test. I passed the PMP test October 19th!

Richard has a passion for teaching and to see other serious students succeed. His webinars were also a huge benefit because I learned so much and I was surrounded by other students going through the same thing. We supported and encouraged one another through the process. I believe it’s a huge benefit to surround yourself with other students who are going through this with you and to be in a study group lead by a PMP professional – one who is a great teacher. If you are serious about dedicating yourself to passing the PMP test, I highly recommend contacting Richard Kraneis to help you through your journey.

Thank you!

Abdul Aldail, PMP – Saudi Arabia, October, 2015

Apparently Abdul enjoyed my YouTube videos. I use simple English in my YouTube videos to explain complex topics. I am humbled that people enjoy and learn from my YouTube videos from around the world.

I do hope that I can travel to Saudi Arabia one day, teach the PMP, and shake hands with Abdul. Abdul, thank you for your kind words on my website.

I passed the PMP exam in October 2015. as much of you knows that if you need to get over any thing you have to prepare yourself very well, and this fully apply for PMP.

when I prepared for the exam i used several sources and books, and in my opinion you don’t need to get yourself lost with a lot of repetitive content. just use one great book together with several exam simulation, in addition, great videos tips on how to study and learn new technique…Etc).

talking about myself I find YouTube channel of Mr. Richard very helpful and I learned several things from it that help me pass the exam. With great thanks to every person who shared what he have learned, and my thanks goes to Mr. Richard Kraneis in this context.

Keith Motz, PMP – United States, August 2015

I passed the PMP exam on the first try in August 2015. Thanks to Richard for his many useful tools and youtube videos.

I reviewed a lot of internet available content to find help studying for the exam. Like internet content on other subjects, much of the PMP exam internet content is of very poor quality.

My suggestion, save time and work with Richard’s material. It is valuable content and will help you prepare without wasting time.

Keith, thanks again.

Mayur Naidu, PMP – India, August 2015

Mayur left a thank you for me on my YouTube page. I asked him to leave a comment on my website. Thanks Mayur.

Sir..I cleared my PMP recently this September, But here’s the story ..I failed the first time in March and then wrote again in September.

But I am pretty happy that i have read everything twice. Just wanted to share that PMP is of 3 things : Temperment(to select the best answer of all), Knowledge(obviously) and Time(coz there are 200 questions).

One has to read one book(Rita/Joseph philips etc)+Pmbok and loads of questions….

When I failed , I must say I visited your page again and again ..it really helped me…Many thanks Sir..my regards!!

Akhilesh Nair, PMP – India, March 2015

I first “met” Akhilesh when he left the comment shown below on this website. Apparently, my YouTube videos and especially my video Mastering ITTO – My Favorite Technique were very helpful to Akhilesh.

Here’s the first comment Akhilesh ever sent me, shown below.

I took the PMP exam on March 9th, 2015 and passed. But I must say, if I have to explain my position one week before the exam, it is word by word similar to what you have described in this video. I didn’t have much trouble memorizing the 47 processes as I tackled them very early on in my preparation. But the ITTO, were very difficult to remember. My problem areas were Risk, Quality and Procurement management ITTOs.

I was lucky to have come across two of your videos, the introductory one and this one on this post and then my preparation became much more relaxed and I felt in control. I took practice tests, downloaded an app which gave around 553 prep questions and it did not cost much. I made my own notes to remember the ITTOs which I was getting wrong on the practice tests.

Must say I found these videos just in the nick of time and they helped a great deal in structuring the last leg of my preparation and eventually passing the examination.

John – United States, February 2015

On January 28, 2015, John purchased my 47 processes spreadsheet product. On February 14, 2015, I received an email from John saying he passed the PMP on his 2nd try. Hurray. Apparently, John enjoyed my YouTube videos (thanks John).

I’m a visual learner and turn to video instruction for anything and everything. Need a new crockpot recipe? Youtube. Need to replace my car’s air filter? Youtube.

I had read PMBOK v5, read the study guides, but needed a video tutorial to drive home the main ideas. I found a few knowledge gaps throughout the process and was better prepared having watched the videos.

My suggestion is to read and know the material, then conduct your exam prep with Richard Kraneis’ as he presents it in a clear and concise method.

Robert McTavish, PMP – United States, September 2014

One day on LinkedIn I found these kind words from Robert McTavish on my help with passing the PMP.

I found Richard when browsing YouTube. His 47 processes summary was one of the key pieces that helped it sink in and get me across the finish line (pass the PMP).

Lori Ann Sheehan, PMP – United States, June 2014

Lori Ann passed her PMP test on her 2nd try. She did all the hard work, but she kindly called me her “ally” in passing the PMP test. (Thanks Lori Ann.) With her permission, here’s the kind email Lori Ann sent me describing her journey in passing the PMP test on her second try.

I passed my PMP June 7, 2014!!

I began studying for the PMP in January 2014 with my test scheduled for late March. After taking a prep class and studying, I thought I was ready. I walked into the test feeling very confident, only to find out that I was not as prepared as I thought I was.

I came home and decided that I needed a new approach to studying. I began searching the web and found Richard Kraneis on YouTube. I found his videos very informative. He showed me a whole new way of thinking and a new approach to studying.

I purchased his … study sessions and quickly discovered that I made the right decision. He quickly became an ally. After a few minutes of our first session, he totally hit the nail on the head with where I struggled and helped me to overcome.

He was a huge motivator.

We had our 2nd session just days before my test. He helped calm my nerves (as much as possible) and talked me through how taking the test the 2nd time was going to be different than my first. I walked into my test on that rainy June day, determined to prove not only to Richard, but to myself, that I could do it.

There was no greater professional feeling than when I hit the button that I was done and a huge CONGRATULATIONS, came across the screen. I had passed the PMP and I know that having Richard Kraneis in my corner, helped me achieve this goal.

Lori Ann Sheehan, PMP

Since I am really a teacher in my heart, Lori Ann’s testimonial was a special treat. Thanks Lori Ann.

Terry Parker, PMP – United States, June 2014

Terry was the 2nd person ever to purchase one of my PMP learning products. It was so great to hear of his success in passing the PMP in June 2014.

Here’s a blurb about my journey, and how your “47” sheet was one of the vital tools.

Our company paid for a PMP Exam Prep course for 4 of the PMs in our department. We met for 4 hours each Friday to go through all of the PMBOK with a consultant. The advantage of the class was the ability to ask questions and get the PMBOK principles framed into real world applications. As good as that was, I knew I needed to study hard to learn the 47 processes and were they fit in order to pass the exam.

I purchased Richard’s “47” learning technique and used it to learn all of the processes in a little over a week….and then wrote the processed out 5 times a day (once in the morning, once at the beginning of lunch, once after lunch, once at the end of work, and once before bed)

It may sound like a lot…but it’s what it took for me. Using Richard’s method is what helped the processes click. When I did the brain dump for the test, it was easy and gave me a boost of confidence at the beginning of the test. For the price of a pastry and coffee, you’ll unlock a tool that will help learn how 47 processes lock together and give you confidence to pass the exam.

I hope things are going well for you, Richard.

Thanks for your kind words Terry.

Add Your PMP Success Story in the Comment Form

If my YouTube videos, websites, PMP learning products, or personal help has helped you pass the PMP, please leave your success story in the form shown below. I will post your first name, last name, and country on this website.

Thanks everyone.

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]]>http://richardkraneis.com/i-passed-the-pmp-with-help-from-richard-kraneis-pmp/feed/4951Afraid I Won’t Pass the PMPhttp://richardkraneis.com/afraid-i-wont-pass-the-pmp/
http://richardkraneis.com/afraid-i-wont-pass-the-pmp/#commentsThu, 12 Nov 2015 04:29:04 +0000http://richardkraneis.com/?p=917A great friend of mine (who became a psychologist at age 40) once said:

Rich, we are all afraid. It’s how we face our fears that matters.

Why are you so Afraid of the PMP Test?

Perhaps I can help you face your fears about learning and help you pass the PMP test. Hope so.

What I Learned Teaching 10,000 People How to Use Computers

Years ago I taught over 10,000 people how to use computers in the Chicago area during the 1990’s.

I taught adults from all over Chicago. They were doctors, nurses, support staff, parking attendants, janitors, etc. I taught people who had grown up rich and who had grown up poor. I lovedmy students at Rush University, Illinois Masonic, and other hospitals.

I taught doctors who quietly said to me, “Richard, I’ve been a doctor for 30 years. I hate that I have to learn all this computer stuff.”

I taught people how to use computers and made them smile with pride from their success.

Some of my computer students came to my computer classes with lingering fears. They thought they were too slowto learn computers. Some attended lousy schools in Chicago and never had a good teacher. Some claimed their math skills were too poor to use a computer well.

They had all kinds of excuses for NOT learning computers.

I tried to make the learning fun but I often told them in the classroom:

What’s Your Excuse or Fear for Not Passing the PMP?

So, what’s your excuse?

Perhaps you’re too old to study all this PMP stuff and pass a 4 hour test?

I don’t care how old you are, have you seen my photograph? I won’t tell you my age but I’ve met only one person older than me who passed the PMP. (My wife and children keep me young at heart, God bless them.)

So please don’t tell me you’re too old to pass the PMP test.

Older students are some of the most consistent, tough learners around. You’ve raised kids, worked two jobs when you had to, you’re unstoppable. Yes, I believe you can pass the PMP test regardless of your age.

That PMP Math is Hard

PMP students often read all the material first and “say” they will do the math when they are near the end of their PMP studies.

Bad idea. If a process requires learning a formula, learn that formula. No excuses.

Other Excuses for not Passing the PMP?

I could go on with the excuses I have heard for how “hard” it is to pass the PMP.

After meeting various PMP students, after running two PMP websites for almost 2 years, I believe the biggest obstacle to passing the PMP is the person you see in the mirror each morning.

Leave a Comment – What’s your PMP Excuse or Fear?

I honestly want to know what is your fear, excuse or greatest obstacle for passing the PMP.

If you leave a sincere comment I will do my best to email every person who leaves a comment.

Worried You Won’t Pass the PMP Test?

Get some help.

Find a PMP who has passed the test and can give you guidance. Start a PMP study group. And if you really do need help passing the PMP on the First or Second time, please consider using my PMP Test Prep Service.

Best Wishes on Passing the PMP

The phrase “Best Wishes on Passing the PMP” is part of my email signature. I mean it.

I want you to be a success, I want you to have the incredible joy of passing the PMP.

Network Diagrams, Critical Path, and Float Questions on the PMP Test

As a PMP, the PMI Code of Ethics forbids me from telling you exactly what kinds of network diagramming questions I saw when I passed the PMP test. It is against our Code of Ethics.

But I can tell you this about PMP formulas on the PMP test. Ask any PMP and he or she will agree.

If you want to pass the PMP test, I strongly suggest you learn network diagramming, critical path, and float calculations.

If you are worried about network diagrams on the PMP test, my June 20, 2015 webinar is just what you need to face your fears and finally learn network diagrams, determining critical paths, and calculating float. Please, please keep reading.

One Webinar Per Month

I have decided to present one PMP webinar per month. I hope you will join me on June 20, 2015 for a webinar on network diagrams, critical path, and float.

Are Network Diagrams Hard to Learn?

If you are a PMP student, diagrams like the one shown below should look familiar. (Image courtesy of my son’s smart phone.)

Are network diagrams, determining critical path, and calculating float difficult for you? The math is pretty simple. It’s all simple addition and simple subtraction. But the logic behind doing these diagrams and these formulas is confusing.

One Saturday: June 20, 2015

Topic: Develop Schedule Process, Network Diagrams, and Float

Recently, a PMP student asked me to tutor her in using network diagrams and float calculations. She felt weak in those areas on her past PMP tests.

So in the process of training her, I have already devoted 10 hours of prep time to teaching what I think was the hardest topic for me on the PMP test: network diagrams, determining critical path and float.

Date: June 20, 2015 (a Saturday)

My PMP students seem to like Saturday webinars the best. The June 20, 2015 webinar is on a Saturday.

Time: 10 AM CST (Central Standard Time)

My June webinar logins begin about 10 minutes before 10 AM CST.

My actual webinars begin at 10 AM CST. I estimate this webinar will last no more than 3 hours. This is a tough topic to teach.

Do you really need 3 hours to teach the Develop Schedule Process?

Yes.

For me, in teaching a PMP class last year in Chicago, IL USA, I decided that teaching the Develop Schedule process was incredibly challenging because it also meant teaching network diagrams and float. Network diagram math isn’t terribly difficult, it’s just addition and subtraction. But the thinking that goes into using the forward pass and the backward pass can be confusing.

Do You Need to Learn Develop Schedule, Network Diagrams, and Float Calculations ?

That does sound like a boring topic, doesn’t it

But learning those topics better prepares you for the PMP test. And when you know what critical path really means, when you know how adding additional activities to a project can delay a project, it’s incredibly empowering to your skill set and your confidence.

* YouTube recording. I will do my best to provide a 3 hour YouTube recording of the edited webinar.

Class Cancellation Policy:

I will run this class with as little as 3 students or as many 20 students. If less than 3 people schedule, I will cancel the class and refund the purchase price. Thank you, reserve your webinar seat today.

Richard Kraneis PMP Webinars – Are they worth the time and money?

It’s a fair question.

Here’s a free webinar I did in March 2015 on the plan communications process.

Time: 10 AM CST (Central Standard Time)

Why Two Webinars for only One PMP Process: Develop Schedule ?

For me, in teaching a PMP class last year in Chicago, IL USA, I decided that teaching the Develop Schedule process was incredibly challenging because it also meant teaching network diagrams and float. Network diagram math isn’t terribly difficult, it’s just addition and subtraction. But the thinking that goes into using the forward pass and the backward pass can be confusing.

Also, since it’s taken me 10 hours of prep time to teach one student how to do network diagrams and float, and it’s already taken 75 minutes of training for one Skype client, I think it will take two webinars to teach Develop Schedule, to teach its non-math concepts, and to teach its math.

Do You Need to Learn Develop Schedule, Network Diagrams, and Float Calculations ?

That does sound like a boring topic, doesn’t it

But learning those topics better prepares you for the PMP test. And when you know what critical path really means, when you know how adding additional activities to a project can delay a project, it’s incredibly empowering to your skill set and your confidence.

No, learning network diagrams and float calculations isn’t boring.

I found it exciting studying those topics again and strengthening my skills.

Subscribe to Attend the May Webinars

If you are a customer already, you know my webinars will be $49 per month, a recurring fee.

Reserve the date. If you’re interested in attending my May webinars, just circle your own calendar and get ready.

Payment, coming soon. My PayPal button is NOT ready yet but will be ready in less than a week. So watch your emails. When the subscription button is ready, I will email you immediately.

Thanks for Letting Me Teach You the PMP

I’m excited that my students from around the world are asking me to teach webinars. It’s been fun and exciting. I thank all of you for giving me encouragement.

Leave a Comment

If you’ve never shown an interest in attending my webinars, and you DO wish to attend, leave a comment. Thank you.

45 PMI PDUs in One Week

Yes, I posted45 PDU’s in one week. I’m glad I started doing this and glad that PMI (Project Management Institute) accepted my hours of work on behalf of PMP students throughout the world. I’ll tell you more about my accepted PDU’s later in this blog post.

Just remember, it took me 2 years of being a PMP, creating YouTube videos, doing webinars, and teaching the PMP to earnthose PMI PDU’s.

You Need 60 PDU’s in 3 Years to Maintain Your PMP Credential

You passed the PMP. Do you even know where to look to check on your PDU status?

Unusual Ways You Can Earn PMI PDU’s

I am grateful that PMI accepted my different methods of earning PDU’s. My current PDU status is shown below.

Two Unusual Ways to Earn PMI PDU’s

Here are two methods you may never have considered on earning PMI PDU credits: YouTube videos and Conducting PMP Study Group Webinars.

(Of course, you need to have a YouTube channel or know how to arrange webinars to earn PDUs the way I earned them.)

Create YouTube Videos for PMP Students

I’ve done about 15-20 YouTube videos on techniques for passing the PMP. You can visit Richard Kraneis on YouTube. Even though each video lasts less than 15 minutes, believe me when I tell you it takes about 3 hours minimum to thoughtfully plan and to create a good YouTube video.

Although I could have claimed 15 videos equaling 45 hours of work as PDU’s, I just tried to claim one video. And I am happy to report that PMI accepted my YouTube video as a qualifying PDU. PMI granted me three PDU’s for one of my YouTube videos.

But then, I guess you need to have a YouTube channel to be able to publish a YouTube video. Do you have a YouTube channel you can use?

Host a PMP Webinar for PMP Students

In March I arranged and hosted three PMP Study Group Webinars discussing Identify Stakeholders, PMI’s Code of Ethics, and Plan Communications Management. I actually recorded my Plan Communications Management webinar for others to see (and as proof for PMI that I had done the webinar).

The webinar lasted 2 hours but it took 6 hours to plan the content of my webinar (this didn’t include arranging the details for 9 students attending the webinar). I claimed 8 hours of work for the webinar and again, PMI accepted 8 hours of my work as PDU’s (thank you PMI).

Altogether, I submitted 3 of my webinars for PDU credits totally 24 PDU’s. PMI accepted all of my PDU’s in this area.

But then, I guess you need to know how to host a PMP webinar to earn PDU’s for the work. Both planning and technology go into building each PMP webinar. Of course, you need PMP students to do it.

Old Fashioned Way of Earning PDU’s

I also taught a PMP class last year in 2014. I taught for 54 hours even though my course prep time for teaching the PMP was probably another 54 hours.

PMI accepted 27 hours of my 54 hours as qualifying for PDU’s. I think I can only earn 45 hours of PDU’s for teaching the PMP in various ways.

15 PDU’s to Earn in One Year to Maintain my PMP Credential

That sounds more manageable then when I was facing the 60 PDU’s in one year.

I guess I need to take some courses taught by other instructors or online to qualify for 15 more PDU’s.

Can I Help You Earn Some PMI PDU’s with Webinars or YouTube Videos?

So here’s the punchline.

I plan on doing PMP study group webinars as an ongoing feature of this website. If you think helping with a PMP study group webinar would be fun, why don’t we try one together and see if PMI will accept your help as a PDU’s?

Or, perhaps I can interview you as a PMP on YouTube and that will qualify as a PDU for you?

Why not join me in doing a PMP Study Group Webinar or for a YouTube interview? It might be a fun way for you to earn PDU’s doing something that you enjoy.

This is not a sales page. It’s a web page measuring demand for a new web service of mine. If you are leaving a comment on this web page, please do so by April 15, 2015. Thank you.

(There is a video included on this web page. Read the entire blog post from top to bottom so you can find and watch a 2 hour YouTube video I recorded for my PMP Study Group.)

I am just measuring demand for a webinar service that offers two recorded Saturday webinars per month. Would you be willing to pay $49.00 a month for that service?

Why did I choose $49.00 (U.S.) a month? My wife said that was a good price, and she’s a very practical woman. Also, it’s what you would easily pay to for a health club membership. It’s what I will pay to re-join Weight Watchers to lose some more weight.

Watch my PMP Study Group Webinar Video and Leave a Comment

So, after you view all or some of the video (it’s almost 2 hours long), leave a comment telling me if you wish to join at the $49.00 introductory price. I need a bare minimum of 15 people before I begin this service. Otherwise, it’s not worth the effort.

This is for two Saturday webinars per month. If you pay for the webinar and/or attend it, you get the video. The introductory price for this service will be $49.00 . It will be more later after the first 20 join the webinar service.

People Needed to Begin This Service: 15 3

People Who Want the Service: 12

Please leave a comment if you want to join this service as a customer. I will update the stats to show how the “votes” are going for this service.

For my seven PMP students who attended the webinar. Leave your comments on the webinar so others will see your feedback.

My First Recorded PMP Study Group Webinar: March 28, 2015

This was the third webinar I ever produced, and it was the first webinar I ever recorded on YouTube. Although I have approximately 20 public videos on YouTube, this video is unlisted and only available through this blog page.

March 28, 2015 Webinar Notes

Guest Speaker: Akhilesh, a new PMP from India. Akhilesh describes how he passed the PMP test and answers questions during the webinar.

Project Coordinator: My friend Brandon H. from Chicago, IL USA assisted with this webinar. I am grateful for his help.

Major Learning Topic: Richard Kraneis discussed the process named Plan Communications Management. It features some test questions, my own personal notes, and teaching from PMBOK 5 and using the book Project Management Professional Certification Exam Prep by Sohel Akhter.

Webinar Attendees: Olga, Lisa, Rhonda, Kenzie, Tatianna, Ida, and Vangie. My webinar clients came from California, Kentucky, Colorado, North Dakota, Illinois, and Virginia. I am grateful to my seven webinar friends for helping me with my first webinar. They were wonderful, all of you.

Here is the video recording of the Saturday, March 28 webinar. It is copyrighted so it is unlawful to download it or record it in any fashion. But you are welcome to play it and refer others to this web page with my thanks

Will You Join my PMP Study Group?

As mentioned before, this is not a “sales” page. I am just measuring demand on whether or not people want PMP study group webinars for me.

If you “promise” to join and the number hits 15 people, I will start the service.